Construction industry reminded to fence all construction sites

With spring on its way, The City of Calgary’s Development & Building Approvals is reminding anyone involved in a construction and demolition project that their first priority is to ensure that the project does not jeopardize the health or safety of the public.

 

Fencing that properly secures the construction site is required where construction and demolition activities are occurring.  This includes houses that are being demolished, moved, or under construction.  Failure to fence construction sites may result in charges being laid under the Safety Codes Act of Alberta.

 

The owner of the land under construction and any contractors undertaking construction work must ensure that they comply with all requirements of the Alberta Building Code and that the construction site does not create an unsafe condition for members of the public. 

 

According to Marco Civitarese, Chief Building Inspector, “We’ve had numerous complaints about unsafe construction sites and would like to remind all construction companies that site fencing is an imperative component as it creates a barrier to public access thereby increasing public safety.”  Civitarese added, “Snow fencing is not an acceptable material to discourage access or entry.”

 

Ola Malik, a municipal prosecutor with The City of Calgary, added “The City is taking a no-tolerance approach to unfenced construction sites.  Unfenced sites are a hazard and create a risk to the public, especially to young children who don’t always appreciate how dangerous construction sites can be.  Our fear is of a young child falling into an excavation or injuring themselves on construction debris or equipment.”   

 

Those responsible for construction sites are asked to display site safety signs to clearly indicate who to contact in case of an emergency. This is just one more thing that a responsible builder can do to keep citizens safe. 

 

For further information on construction site safety best practices visit calgary.ca and search “practical guide for construction sites.” 

 

Both safety signs and guides are available at no cost at the Building Permit Counter, 3rd Floor, 800 Macleod Trail S.E.